Devoted members of the community who go above and beyond to make Renfrewshire a better place have been honoured at this year’s Provost Awards.
Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron was joined by comperè Gina McKie to help celebrate the achievements those in the local authority who are dedicated to improving the area and supporting residents.
The award winners were invited to a special ceremony at the Lynnhurst Hotel in Johnstone after being chosen from outstanding nominations submitted by their peers in the local community.
On the night guests were entertained by talented musicians from Gleniffer High School before the award ceremony got underway.
Don't miss the latest headlines from around Renfrewshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
There were six award categories this year which recognised the hard work of groups, employees and volunteers.
Among the winners was Renfrew mum Lauren Roy-Sutherland, who won the Community Volunteer category (sponsored by Glasgow Airport Ltd)
Lauren is the founder of Renfrewshire Toybank, a charity which has collected thousands of presents to give to children every Christmas since its creation in 2018.
The much-loved charity, which became a year-round operation last year, most recently donated more than 3,000 Easter eggs to ensure no child in the community missed out on Easter.
Another winner was community fundraiser for Morrsions Anchor Mills, Sharon Dennison, who was awarded the Employee of the Year award (sponsored by UNISON Renfrewshire).
Sharon is the Community Champion for the Paisley supermarket, and is works all year round to support local charities and organisations in the area through fundraisers and events in the store.
In her two years in the role, she has embraced all aspects of her title which range from organising donations for the foodbank, to just being a friendly face in the store for customers looking for a chat and a cuppa.
Other recipients of the awards were the Johnstone Phoenix Theatre Group, which has been staging performances in the community for almost 60 years.
The club was formed as Johnstone Operatic and Dramatic Society back in 1963 but, by the early 1970s, a lack of financial support led the cast to stage a series of hugely-successful benefit concerts.
The group was rebranded Johnstone Phoenix in 1972 in recognition of its rise from the ashes.
It normally stages two performances a year – a spring show and a pantomime.
The group, which has both adult and youth members, was awarded the Arts and Culture (sponsored by Renfrewshire Council) accolade.
Other award winners were Christine Melville, who was given a posthumous Carers Award which was donated by former Provost Nancy Allison.
Christine, who passed away in 2020, worked at Renfrewshire Carers Centre for 24 years. Described by her colleagues as the heart of the centre, Christine dedicated her career to supporting carers in Renfrewshire, with a special soft spot for young and young adult carers.
Forever Young was given the Community Group award, which was sponsored by City Gate Construction.
Forever Young are a group based within Renfrewshire’s sheltered housing.
The group was formed to bring tenants living in sheltered housing together to organise events, activities and tackle social isolation and loneliness.
Some of the activities organised by the group include speedboat trips at Castle Semple Loch, trips to the theatre, a walking group, a choir and regular arts and crafts sessions.
Finally, the Sporting Achievement award (sponsored by Acre Industrial Services Ltd) was given to David and Lesley Mushet.
David has been the Event Director of Linwood Parkrun since its inception in 2016.
David and his wife Lesley have given countless hours of their time to ensure the free and inclusive weekly 5k goes ahead safely every week – volunteering at over 260 Parkruns between them.
David is also a transplant recipient and has represented Great Britain at the World Transplant Games.
Praising the efforts of all the award winners, Provost Lorraine Cameron said: “The Community Awards recognises those who really go the extra mile to make Renfrewshire a better place without looking for reward or recognition.
“This year was the 25th edition of the Provost’s Community Awards and it felt especially fitting to be able to host this year’s awards in person following the Covid-19 pandemic.
“These winners were all nominated by their own communities, and I’m honoured to be able to reward them for their dedication and commitment.
“Congratulations to all our winners, your hard work does not go unnoticed.”
The Provost’s Community Awards were first established in 1997 by former Provost Nancy Allison and have been continued by each subsequent Provost, recognising more than 100 deserving community members for their commitment and devotion.
For more information on the Provost’s Community Awards, click here.
Download the FREE Renfrewshire Live app now for all the latest news, features and sport in your area. Available on both Android and Apple. Download here:smarturl.it/RenfrewLiveSocial
